Second half of 2023

Combines have been pulled out all over the country for the once-over as winter crops are well on the turn in certain parts of the country with possible harvesting imminent in some areas. Spring crops are struggling a bit, thanks to the stop-start weather we have been having over the last few months.
We can clearly see how climate change is impacting our agricultural system with the ever-changing weather impacting crops as they try to establish themselves and thrive. Extended very-wet periods are followed by extended very-dry and sunny periods and this, my friends, will be part of growing crops in the future.
The Farm Machinery Show organised by the Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade Association (FTMTA), set to take place on July 5-6 in Punchestown, highlights the significance of the farm-machinery industry in Ireland. It is a major cog in the wheels of what drives the whole agri-industry here. It is a significant rural employer throughout the 32 counties, spread over major manufacturers of farm machinery as well as 675 machinery dealers.
This all plays a major part in keeping employment in rural towns and villages. In addition to this, you have companies supplying goods and services to these dealers and manufacturers all year round. This, in turn, keeps farmers and contractors on the move to produce the food that hits our tables 365 days a year. The FTMTA itself was founded in 1913 and has over 350 members and is growing year on year, comprised of importers, distributors, dealers, and agri-related businesses.
On a global scale, exports of agricultural products increased from €60bn to about €74bn between 2020 and 2021, according to CEMA, which is the body that represents the European machinery industry. In its recent report, European Agricultural Machinery Industry, CEMA states that this is a growth of 23 per cent. Germany remains the global leader for machinery exports at €13.1bn; China is next at €9bn moving in front of the US at €8.1bn, while Italy and France complete the top five. When aggregated, the European Union leads global Agricultural Equipment Exports by far.
In 2021, according to the CEMA report Ireland’s total production of farm machinery came to over €180m and when it comes to the production of farm machinery, there are Irish-manufactured machines working all over the world. Long may it continue.

Until next month, farm wisely, farm safely.